Much to learn from our Olympians - Clive Bibby

Dame Lisa Carrington and Alicia Hoskin celebrate winning gold in the K2 500m final at the Paris Olympics. We are all capable of punching above our weight, says Clive Bibby. Photo / Getty Images

Opinion

Clive Bibby is a farmer, consultant and commentator who lives in Tolaga Bay.

OPINION

While we continue to savour the triumphs of our sporting greats on the battlefields of the Paris Olympics, it is worthwhile to reflect on what their achievements really mean to a country of five million who otherwise have little to cheer about.

There is no question that this sporting contest at the highest level has come at a time when most people are struggling to support their families on a daily basis.

But the reality of daily living during what many describe as a mini recession doesn’t need to mean we should lock the place up and throw away the key.

We have much to learn from not only those athletes who won medals but perhaps more importantly, from the ones who got there but fell short at the final hurdle.

As much as anything, we need to take stock of what is involved by just getting to the start line.

How many of us really understand or care to look behind the efforts of individual athletes in order to discover what it takes to become an Olympic champion?

Because if we did, we would find unbelievable tales of individual sacrifice not just from the athletes themselves but in many cases, enormous contributions from the families and support crew (coaches, sponsors etc) who have made it possible.

Yet we will probably never hear of those personal sacrifices that made it happen.

Perhaps we should, as a nation, take time to reflect on the efforts of this crop of Kiwis who did us proud - and l’m not just talking about those who won medals.

I’m suggesting that the best way to honour them (all of them) is to use their example as a means of recharging our own efforts in the common battle for survival.

In the farming world, one of the cheapest pathways to success is to simply look over the boundary fence or go and talk to a farmer friend who is doing things better than most.

In my humble experience, the ones who have found a way to succeed are often the ones most generous in imparting their knowledge - and it will cost you nothing to engage.

As with the athletes, successful people in all walks of life rarely walk away from an opportunity to help someone who is struggling.

My guess is that they consider it a mark of respect simply to be asked to help.

Let’s do it!

So Kiwis, let’s all make a commitment to try to do things better - whether it be in our personal relationships with family and friends, or work colleagues, the results may astound you.

We all have it within ourselves to make a fresh start, but we won’t succeed if we keep on doing the same things over and over again, expecting a different result.

It really is a matter of attitude and a commitment to the legacy our forebears have shown.

We are all capable of punching above our weight. That is why we are internationally respected for achieving on the sporting fields and in the marketplace - where we are happy to take on the most powerful and win against the odds.

Clive Bibby